ONE THIS YEAR, ANOTHER NEXT… -- Six-year-old Aiden Carson started the first grade at Symsonia Elementary Thursday, Aug. 4, as the Graves County Schools’ 2011-12 year began. With his experience in kindergarten, he wore his backpack and knew where to go and what to do.

As their entire family walked up to the school door, Aiden put his arm around his 4-year-old brother, Matthew, who was disappointed because he’s still a year away from starting kindergarten. At left, walking with them are their parents, Seth and Shannon Carson.

Enrollment figures won’t be finalized for a few days, but approximately 4,500 students attend the Graves County Schools. Since 2004, the district has ranked among the top 7.5 percent in Kentucky academics.